A Brief History of Dillard University

The procession of Dillard University graduates to the school's chapel. Graduating
students traditionally proceed down the school's Avenue of the Oaks.

In 1869, with support from the American Missionary Association of the Congregational
Church (now the United Church of Christ) and the Freedmen’s Aid Society of the Methodist
Episcopal Church (now the United Methodist Church), Straight University and the Union
Normal School were founded. They were subsequently renamed Straight College and New
Orleans University, respectively. Gilbert Academy, a secondary school, was a unit
of New Orleans University.

In 1889, New Orleans University opened a medical department, including a school of
pharmacy and a school of nursing. The medical department was named Flint Medical College
and the affiliated facility was named the Sarah Goodridge Hospital and Nurse Training
School. The medical college was discontinued in 1911, but the hospital, including
the nursing school, was continued under the name Flint-Goodridge Hospital. Straight
College operated a law department from 1874 to 1886.

In 1935, New Orleans University and Straight College merged to form Dillard University.
The trustees of the new university called for the implementation of a coeducational,
interracial school, serving a predominantly African American student body adhering
to Christian principles and values. The university was named in honor of James Hardy
Dillard, a distinguished academician dedicated to educating African Americans.

Dillard trustees elected to continue the work of the hospital but not that of Gilbert
Academy. The latter continued operation as a separate institution under the sponsorship
of the Board of Education of the Methodist Church until 1949. The university operated
Flint-Goodridge Hospital of Dillard University from 1932 until 1983.

Will W. Alexander was chosen to be the acting president of Dillard University. He
served from 1935 to 1936. At the time of his appointment, he was director of the Commission
on Interracial Cooperation (CIC), which actively campaigned against lynching and conducted
research studies of issues pertaining to “Negro welfare” and other Southern “problems.”

A new era began with the appointment of William Stuart Nelson as Dillard’s first president
in 1936. A noted educator and administrator in higher education, Nelson became the
first African American to lead the institution. During his four-year tenure (1936-1940),
Nelson took to heart the missionary ideal of liberal arts education in a manner that
would leave a lasting impression on the university’s curriculum. He was instrumental
in the implementation of a major arts festival. The gathering created a venue for
local artists and national figures to enjoy and debate the nature of African American
art – past, present and future. Nelson sought to foster a sense of “cultural enlightenment
and participation.” His dedication to the arts laid the foundation for a tradition
at Dillard that extends to the present day.

In 1941, Albert W. Dent was named the university’s second president. Prior to this
appointment, Dent served as the university’s hospital administrator. Although he had
not earned an advanced degree, Dent proved himself to be a remarkable president and
an effective leader in the international field of health administration during his
28-year tenure. He guided Dillard through the challenging decades of World War II,
the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power movement. During his presidency, Dillard
became the first and only university with an accredited nursing program in Louisiana.

The appointment of Broadus N. Butler, a Southern intellectual, as the university’s
third president marked a renewed commitment to the liberal arts. Butler’s most important
contribution to the university’s intellectual life was the implementation of the Scholars-Statesman
Lecture Series, housed in the Division of Social Sciences. The lecture series brought
to campus key figures in education, the arts and law, including educator and scholar
Benjamin Elijah Mays, actress Etta Moten Barnett, artist Aaron Douglas, Harlem Renaissance
writer Arna Bontemps and Pennsylvania jurist A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. Butler resigned
in November 1973 after the board of trustees realized the need to transform its curriculum
to meet the needs of the changing student body. Such changes clashed with Butler’s
ideal of a traditional, classical education. Myron F. Wicke served as acting president
until 1974 when Samuel DuBois Cook became the university’s fourth president.

Under the leadership of Samuel DuBois Cook, Dillard’s curriculum was strengthened
and expanded and the number and percentage of faculty members holding doctoral degrees
was increased. During his tenure, Cook raised the requirements for admission, increased
student enrollment by 50 percent, raised significant funds to improve the campus and
facilities, and expanded student services. In 1989, Cook created the Dillard University
National Conference on Black-Jewish Relations from which sprang the Dillard University
National Center for Black-Jewish Relations. He added the Japanese studies program
in 1990.

On July 1, 1997, Michael L. Lomax was named the fifth president of Dillard University.
A noted scholar, administrator, political leader and entrepreneur, Lomax undertook
the challenge to transform Dillard University into one of the finest liberal arts
colleges in the nation. Lomax led an aggressive campaign to renovate and modernize
campus facilities. In spring 2004, construction was completed on the Dillard University
International Center for Economic Freedom (DUICEF).

On July 1, 2005, Dr. Marvalene Hughes began her tenure as the sixth and first woman
president of the university. She was soon faced with the challenges of Hurricane Katrina.
After weathering the storm with grace and dignity, she began to guide Dillard through
its transformation toward new heights. With unwavering determination, Dr. Hughes facilitated
the rebuilding of Dillard’s historic, 55-acre campus, which lost more than $400 million
to physical damage and business interruption. In the first year of Hughes’ tenure,
and again in 2006, the university raised more than $34 million in public and private
gifts and grants, far exceeding any previous annual total in Dillard’s history.

In 2007, Dillard devised a comprehensive strategic plan to hasten recovery and guide
the school’s future. The following year, Dillard launched its first capital campaign,
Advantage Dillard!, with a goal of raising $70 million for six priority areas, including:
increasing student scholarships; enhancing teaching, learning, and campus facilities;
introducing cutting-edge technology; enhancing the library; strengthening general
program support; and securing Dillard’s future through general endowment. More than
$60 million has been raised to date.

Following the Class of 2010’s commencement exercises, President Hughes cut the ribbons
for two exciting new facilities, the Professional Schools and Sciences Building, and
the Student Union and Health & Wellness Center. Both buildings are LEED® (Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design) registered, exemplifying Dillard’s burgeoning
commitment to sustainability and environmental initiatives.

During the summer of 2010, President Hughes announced an academic restructuring of
the university under a new four-college system with 22 majors that will position Dillard
to capitalize on future growth opportunities. The College of General Studies – designed
as a two-year gateway program for all incoming freshmen to improve graduation rates,
enhance preparation for majors, and foster kinship among students – now stands alongside
the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Professional Studies, and the College
of Business.

Dr. Hughes transitioned from the presidency in June 2011, and Dr. James Lyons came
on board as interim president. He inherited a thriving institution. Fair Dillard has
reaffirmed its commitment to education, community, excellence and heritage. The university
has positioned itself for success throughout the 21st century, and it will continue
to educate the bright, young leaders of tomorrow.

On July 1, 2012, Dr. Walter Kimbrough became the seventh president in the history
of Dillard University. Known as the “Hip-Hop Prez,” he has demonstrated a commitment
to emerging higher education trends, social media and, above all, the youth of today.